Strengths: Everything you need to know on how to build your own wheels clearly written so just follow what Rodger says and you have your hand built wheels, excellent value and I can't believe I would be able to do it but I have I definitely recommend this book.

Weaknesses: None

Bottom Line:

This is the best book on cycle wheel building I have come across get a copy you won'regret it.

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Submitted by
Randonneur

Date Reviewed: November 12, 2014

Strengths: Very clearly written - no impenetrable jargon - and comprehensive.

Weaknesses: Haven't found any!

Bottom Line:

The absolute bible. I must have built over thirty wheels using Roger's book and his spoke length calculator and it's worked every time. The book has a lot of educational stuff as well and it just keeps getting better.

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Submitted by
Tom lemon

Date Reviewed: September 19, 2014

Strengths: Superb guide , easy to follow and answered every question I had

Weaknesses: None

Bottom Line:

Loved it. From making my own truing stand and tools , through to building my first wheel .

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Submitted by
Carl Davis

Date Reviewed: May 29, 2014

Strengths: Everything you need to know to build reliable wheels
Clear and simple explanations
Provides enough technical background to give an understanding of wheel design and building technique
Also debunks some wheel-building myths

Weaknesses: None

Bottom Line:

I bought the 4th edition and used the instructions to make my own truing stand, gauges and tools. Following Roger's instructions, I have built 4 pairs of wheels (two road and two MTB) which have proved to be reliable over several thousand miles and in the case of the MTB wheels, a fair bit of abuse.
I recently got stuck on spoke lacing for a Shimano disc-braked wheel. I e-mailed Roger who replied quickly, reassured me all was OK and gave me access to a free upgrade to edition 6.02. How good is that?!
If you are going to build your own wheels - buy this manual, you will not regret it!

Strengths: Comprehensive and easy to understand wheel building guide. Great illustrations, and good instructions on how to DIY make wheel building tools like a truing stand, nipple holder, dishing tools etc.
Free upgrades to all future versions. I bought version 3 in 2006, but now have the 6.02 version from 2013. It just keeps on improving.
Jobst Brandt's book "The Bicycle Wheel" is the authoritative pioneer work on the subject, but Roger Musson's book is the best book for novice wheel builders.

Weaknesses: He uses a sloppy and mixed up terminology when it comes to "stress relieving", Jobst Brandt is much clearer and correct on that subject.

Strengths: Its as good as you can get without actually sitting down and learning face to face. Concise and well set out.

Weaknesses: The end user.

Bottom Line:

If you can't touch your nose with your finger tip, with your eyes closed then you shouldn't be riding a bike let alone building a wheel. I have not seen another guide like it. Helped me build some beauty sub 1300gram mtb wheels. Strong and true 1.5 years on.

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Submitted by
James P Kellis

Date Reviewed: March 16, 2014

Strengths: Concise, easily understood, even by a pea-brain old fart like me.
The excellent diagrams and photos are the most precise of any of the "how to" books that I have seen.

Weaknesses: None

Bottom Line:

This book should be on the workbench of every serious bicycle mechanic whether amateur or professional!

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Submitted by
Marcel

Date Reviewed: February 11, 2014

Strengths: - clear step by step explanation
- explains basics without going philosophical
- down to earth without any marketing ramble as other books

Weaknesses: - It be cool to be able to buy a printed version
- online support page has dropped the rim and hub measurements of some models and brands

Bottom Line:

Best book on wheelbuilding I've encountered so far.

I guides you in simple steps to build your wheel and suddenly voilà there it is, a perfectly built wheel.

Excellent value.

You get book upgrades free.

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Submitted by
Jorge Del Valle

Date Reviewed: January 28, 2014

Strengths: Although I've yet to build my first wheels, I've found this book invaluble for ironing out those things that seem to crop up with factory built wheels, ie. correcting tension, why do the spokes ping etc.
It's a very well written book that demystifies the whole process of wheel building and debunks all the "dark art" myths that bike shops sometimes give you.
I'm actually looking forward to building my first set of wheels now where as in the past I wouldn't have even contemplated it. Not a book for a complete novice as it does require the reader to be familiar with some basic bike mechanics, although there are plenty of explanations and tips, eg. "measure twice cut once" etc. An excellent book, great value for money and worth having as a reference for bike mechanics even if you aren't going to build a set of wheels.

Weaknesses: None really, even though it does concentrate on MTB wheels the author explains that all the principles apply to road, track, BMX etc.

Bottom Line:

Excellent book, recommend this to every bike tech you know.

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Submitted by
Paul Beckett
a Weekend Warrior

Date Reviewed: January 2, 2014

Strengths: Well written, clearly explained, easy and interesting to read.

Weaknesses: Perhaps a bit more focused on mountain bikes than road wheels.

Bottom Line:

A really useful ebook that's clearly been put together with a lot of thought. The author's significant experience and confidence in his art really shows through. I've been told all sorts of guff about wheel building from various mechanics and bike shop staff over the years but I now rely solely on this book.
I've also had a couple of questions pop up as I've been working on different wheels and I've emailed the author who's been very helpful and quick to reply.
I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone interested in building wheels.

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Submitted by
David Moorhouse

Date Reviewed: December 25, 2013

Strengths: Well laid out and clear guide to building your own wheels

Weaknesses: None

Bottom Line:

I've built many wheels using Roger's guide, the latest being a set for a touring tandem. After a 500km tour over steep hills with luggage they're as straight as the lay they were finished.

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Submitted by
Maarten Dumon
a Weekend Warrior

Date Reviewed: December 2, 2013

Strengths: There is no other book or website which gave me correct or clear info for calculating spoke length

Weaknesses: not found

Bottom Line:

I build my first wheel with this book at my side without any prior experience.
This book is 100% for everyone wanting to build bicycle wheels even experienced builders are likely to find this book valuable.
Also there is no other book or website which gave me correct or clear info for calculating spoke length.

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